A Local Life Warminster No2 Winter 2014/15 by A Local Life

Warminster & Borders

No2 Winter 2014/15

Bishopstrow, Chapmanslade, Codford, Corsley, Deverills, Dilton Marsh, East Knoyle, Heytesbury, Horningsham, Maiden Bradley, Mere, Shrewton, Stourton, Sutton Veny, Tisbury & Upton Scudamore & surrounding area.

CHILDRENS ACTIVITY LOCAL COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NEWS WINTER WARMERS

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES LOCAL COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NEWS WINTER WARMERS

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FESTIVE MENUS 2014

Festive Lunch

Three courses £23.00 per person

Festive Dinner Three courses £33.00 per person Festive Party Nights

Thursday 11th and Thursday 18th December

Three courses and disco £40.00 per person

Christmas Day Lunch Five courses £95.00 per person New Year’s Eve

Black Tie Champagne Dinner Dance Seven courses £120.00 per person Festive menus available during December overleaf.

Exclusive use hire available. To book, please call 01985 212312 or email info@bishopstrow.co.uk and quote LL FEST 14

Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9HH bishopstrow.co.uk

welcome Warminster & Borders

No2 Winter 2014/15

CHILDRENS ACTIVITY LOCAL COMMUNITY & BUSINESS NEWS WINTER WARMERS

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With Christmas around the corner, the team at A Local Life are getting excited about the switching on of the lights in Warminster, and in this edition I chat to Nick Trimby about the history behind this festive tradition. This year will be a spectacular event with a lantern making workshop and parade; it’s a genuine community effort which brings magic and sparkle to the heart of the town. Nick is also involved with the Kingdown Everest trip where three members of staff and seventeen lucky pupils will be heading to the Himalayas. We have exclusive news on the purchase of the Three Horseshoes Walk and my 11 year old son is auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent.

Have you dreamed of writing a bestseller? We look at the pros and cons of publishing versus self-publishing. We also review my book and Melanie Jones’; both of us are two local writers and we welcome your support. As this year’s Christmas shopping season gets under way, we offer a rallying cry to shoppers to support local independent stores. The run-up to Christmas is a crucial time for traders, and we urge you to think of Warminster’s shops when looking for presents. Research suggests a pound spent with a local business stays in the local economy for five more transactions whereas a pound spend with a national business operating locally stays in the local economy for just two transactions. As you will be shopping locally until you drop then check out our top foot care tips to give your feet some attention this Christmas. You will definitely need these from pounding the pavements buying all your yuletide gifts. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Our magazine is committed to local news, events and products so contact us at: warminster@alocallife.co.uk We would love to hear from you. We hope you enjoy our winter edition. Clare Macnaughton

Winter Food & Drink 24

Children’s Activities CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY

Make your own recycled Christmas decorations...

Step 3:

Get crafty and save money this Christmas by making your own recycled decorations! These sparkling stars are fun to make, and look beautifully festive hung on the tree or in a window. This is a great activity for a rainy December day...

You Will Need: Cardboard tubes (from kitchen or toilet roll) Ruler & Pencil Scissors PVA Glue & a small paintbrush Paperclips Lots of glitter Stick-on gems and sequins String or Ribbon

No2 Winter 2014/15 Step 2:

Repeat step 2 and slices of your card using paperclips t place. Carry on un are joined togethe dry for around 15

Step 1:

Squash your cardboard tube flat, and use a pencil and ruler to mark out six equal pieces. A kitchen roll will make enough for two stars (12 pieces). Use your scissors to carefully cut the roll into equal pieces.

3 Tie a piece of

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CONTENTS

Inside... What’s On..........................................................................6 Children’s Activities.....................................................10 Community News.........................................................12 House & Home..............................................................14

Giovanni’s Barbers Shop

Customer friendly opening hours

Gardening.......................................................................18

Sunday

10-3pm

Food & Drink..................................................................19

Monday

9-6pm

Shopping.........................................................................24

Tuesday

CLOSED

Up Close...........................................................................26

Wednesday

9-8pm

Book Review...................................................................28

Thursday

9-8pm

Friday

9-6+pm

Saturday

9-5.30pm

Publishing Feature.......................................................29 Health...............................................................................30 Pets....................................................................................31 Useful Contacts.............................................................32 Slice of Life.....................................................................33

2 Maristow Street Westbury BA13 3DN Tel: 01373 824440

Puzzles.............................................................................34

CONTACTING US Sales: publish@alocallife.co.uk or call 01985 805001 Contribute: warminster@alocallife.co.uk

City break weekend in Venice starts at £199pp, low season for 3 nights in a central 4 star hotel including flights.

Publisher: André Balkham Jones Editor: Clare Macnaughton Contributors: C&A, Jo Fairburn, Erica Morgan, Fiona Scott, Ruth Walton. Design: A Local Life Printed on paper sourced from responsible sources. Small Print: The publisher will not be held liable for any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions or failure of an advert to run or any other cause. A Local Life and Brand2M Ltd. does not endorse any advertising material within the publication or on the website. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior permission of the publisher.

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on WINTER 2014/15 Monday 1st December National Trust: Stourhead The Christmas House 11am-3pm (last entry 2.30pm) See the showrooms beautifully decorated for the festive season. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ stourhead Edwina Bridgman: Ship of Fools Victoria Art Gallery, Bath. £3.50/concs/under 21s free www.victoriagal.org.uk

Tickets from Budgens at New Road Service Station, Codford 01985 850345 (button 6)

Friday 5th December Christmas Tree Festival Minster Church, Warminster 10am-4pm with concert at 7pm Also running Saturday 6th December, 10-5pm with Father Christmas. Adults £8, children £4 Tickets from Sylvia Short 01985 213224 or on the door.

Saturday 6th December

Wednesday 3rd December Christmas Extravaganza, Bowood House, Calne See Bowood decorated and indulge in a fantastic shopping experience! £15 per person Shopping events also running 4th-5th December 01249 822422 or office@ fionashelburne.co.uk

Thursday 4th December Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood: The Woolstore Country Theatre, Codford Various times, running until Saturday 13th December 6

Christmas Wreath-Making Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury. Workshops 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Booking required. £35 English Heritage, 0870 333 1183 Wessex Auction Rooms Antiques and Collectables sale Westbrook Farm, Draycot Cerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 5LH 10am, (viewing Friday before sale from 8.30am). 01249 720888 www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk Charity Christmas Band Night – The Charity Christmas Cracker St Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon. 7pm. Christmas party band night to raise money for children’s charities. £15 Contact Emma on 07862284177 or evans_emma@live.co.uk

Sunday 7th December Christmas Tree Festival Minster Church, Warminster 11am-3.30 pm, followed at 4pm with a Candlelit Christmas Tree Festival Service with Warminster Brass Band 01985 213224 for more details

Monday 7th December Dorothy House Santa Dash Dorothy House Hospice, Winsley, BA15 2LE 11am. Collect sponsorship and run, jog or even walk 6km hilly route. £15 emily.knight@dorothyhousehospice.org.uk www.dhsantadash.co.uk

Wednesday 10th December Movie Matinees at Warminster Civic Centre: Jersey Boys Doors open 1.30pm. Film starts 2pm. £3.50 including tea/coffee and biscuits www.warminster.uk.com

Friday 12th December Christmas with Haydn and Handel 7.30-9.30pm, Holy Trinity Church Church Street, Bradford onAvon, BA15 1LN A feast of Christmas music. 01225 862670 or meganandjoyce1882@gmail.com Brodsky Quartet Wiltshire Music Centre, Winsley Road, Bradford on Avon. 7.30pm £20 (£19) / Free under 25s 01225 860100 or www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON

NG A Merry Jazzy Christmas – Cantamus Chamber Choir & GBH Big Band Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon, 7.30pm £15 / £5 under 18s & students 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Friday 12th December Carol Singing: East Farm East Farm Christmas, Codford St Mary, Wilts BA12 0PG 6.30pm, free mulled wine More info 01985 850982

Saturday 13th December Xmas Food Fest Great Chalfield Manor, Melksham. 10.30-3.30pm £3 including National Trust members. Children go free. patsy@greatchalfield.co.uk

Anna and the Moods (with Brodsky Quartet) Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon. 2pm £10/£5 under 18s. 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Sunday 14th December Bowood House – Family Christmas Carvery. £25 per adult, £10 per child. 01249 822228 or resort@bowood.org

Monday 15th December Longleat Santa Express Adults £5, Child £13 www.longleat.co.uk

Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December Follow the Star – Living Nativity Salisbury Cathedral, 4pm. A family service for Christmas Eve

New Year’s Day Thursday 1st January 2015 Tuesday 6th January Blood Donor Session Warminster Civic Centre. 1.30-3.30pm & 4.30-7.15pm. Telephone for an appointment 0300 123 23 23

Friday 9th January New Year 2015 Social for Warminster Civic Trust Arn Room, Warminster Civic Centre. 7pm. www.warminstercivictrust.com/ contact

Saturday 17th January

Boxing Day

Bradford Roots Music Festival ‘15 Wiltshire Music Centre. 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

Friday 26th December

Saturday 24th January

Christmas Day Thursday 25th December

Boxing Day Carol Service Chapel of St Lawrence, High Street, Warminster. 3.30pm www.stlawrencechapel.co.uk

New Year’s Eve Wednesday 31st December New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Longleat Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW 6pm (last entry 5.45pm) A spectacular firework display set to a thrilling soundtrack Cost included in Christmas Day ticket or Annual Pass www.longleat.co.uk No2 Winter 2014/15

The Impossible Gentlemen Wiltshire Music Centre. 7.30pm. £18 / £9 U-18s / Bring Your Kid for a Quid. 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

...UPCOMING Sunday 1st March 2015 Join Ted’s Team for the Vitality BATHALF 2015! Join The Forever Friends Appeal team for the Vitality BATHALF 2015. www.foreverfriendsappeal. co.uk. 7

WHAT’S ON

Regular Weekly / Monthly Events TUESDAYS Warminster Philatelic Society The Athenaeum, High Street. 7.30 for 7.45pm start. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Colin Baker, 01985 840033. Clarks Pensioners Club Warminster Town Football Club, Weymouth Street. 1st Tuesday of every month, 2.00 pm. Robin, 01985 215724 Wiltshire Blind Association Monthly coffee morning/dropin session for people with sight

problems. Meeting room at the rear of Warminster Fire Station (access off The Avenue), 10am-12.30pm, 2nd Tuesday of every month enquiries@wiltshireblind.org

Warminster Astronomy Club The Organ Inn (skittle alley at the rear), High Street, Warminster, 7 for 7.30pm, 2nd Friday of every month. info@ warminsterastronomyclub.org.uk

FRIDAYS Warminster Country Market Warminster Library, Three Horseshoe Walk. 9.30-11.30am. Every Friday Tel orders to 01985 840536

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No2 Winter 2014/15

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACTIVITY

Make your own recycled Christmas decorations... Get crafty and save money this Christmas by making your own recycled decorations! These sparkling stars are fun to make, and look beautifully festive hung on the tree or in a window. This is a great activity for a rainy December day...

You Will Need: Cardboard tubes (from kitchen or toilet roll) Ruler & Pencil Scissors PVA Glue & a small paintbrush Paperclips Lots of glitter Stick-on gems and sequins String or Ribbon

Step 1:

Squash your cardboard tube flat, and use a pencil and ruler to mark out six equal pieces. A kitchen roll will make enough for two stars (12 pieces).

Step 2: Lay out some paper to protect your table as this step can get messy! Paint a thin strip of PVA glue across the end of one of the pieces of cardboard and use a paperclip to secure it to another piece. 10

Use your scissors to carefully cut the roll into equal pieces.

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ACTIVITY

Step 3: Repeat step 2 and keep adding slices of your cardboard tube and using paperclips to hold them in place. Carry on until all six pieces are joined together. Allow them to dry for around 15 minutes.

Step 4: When the glue has dried, take off the paperclips. Use your brush to paint a thin layer of PVA all over the star. Sprinkle it with glitter until the whole star is covered. You could also use gold or silver paint. When it is dry, add stick-on gems and sequins for some extra sparkle!

Tie a piece of string ribbon onto your star and hang it on the tree or in your window... 11

COMMUNITY

A36 Upton Lovell Junction Improvements

scheme to improve safety on the A36 at Upton Lovell starts on Monday, 20 October and continues until February. Work at the Manor Road junction will mostly be carried out during the day but some overnight closures of the A36 will also be required. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation 24 hours a day throughout the works. To ensure the safety of the public and our road workers, it will be necessary to close the A36 between Deptford roundabout and the A36/A350 roundabout at certain times during the works. Fully signed diversion routes will be in place throughout all closures. When the A36 is closed northbound traffic will be diverted along the A303 westbound, then north onto the A350 before rejoining the A36. Southbound traffic will follow this route in the opposite direction. Access will be maintained for residents and local businesses at all times but access onto the A36 from Manor Road will remain prohibited until the works are completed.

Seventeen Fundraising Kingdown Pupils Destined For Everest

even lucky pupils and three members of staff from Warminster’s Kingdown School are embarking on an expedition to Mount Everest on 17th December 2014. Quite apart from providing the team with a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, the trip is also raising money for Dorothy House Hospice Care, Children’s Hospice South West and Louie’s S.M.I.L.E.S. They have set an ambitious target of £100k over the next eighteen months. Warminster-based RACS Group is the primary sponsor of the event as the company’s MD, Terry Hiller, is a former pupil of the school. The team are well supported by local businesses and have been provided with branded training kit financed by RACS Group and their website development is supported by Impress Media Limited. Real Coach Hire of Codford is also driving them team to and from the airport. For more information, please visit: www.kingdowneverest.co.uk

Three Horseshoes Walk Bought For £9 Million

ewRiver Retail has successfully completed the £9 million acquisition of the Three Horseshoes Walk Shopping Centre from previous owners Stockland. The 60,000 sq ft centre has a high occupancy rate and includes high street names like Poundland, Iceland, Peacocks, Superdrug, Greggs and Costa. A spokesman for NewRiver said, “We are delighted to have invested in Warminster and look forward to working with local stakeholders and our retailers to improve shopping and community facilities.” A spokesman added, “We have already identified some opportunities to improve the centre to give an enhanced retail offer and an improved environment. More details will follow in due course but on our agenda are refurbishment of the common areas, including the car park and partnering with the Town Council to provide better community facilities.” 12

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COMMUNITY

The East Farm Christmas, Codford

very day is Christmas at East Farm, Codford . Christmas began on the 19th October and on the 12th December at 6.30pm everyone is invited for carol singing with free mulled wine, raising money for the Children Cancer Trust with the East Farm team belting out some Christmas classics. One of the few living nativities in Wiltshire, Tinsel the donkey has been delighting shoppers as they venture from as far afield as the Channel Islands to enjoy the delights of this village Christmas emporium located on a working farm in Codford, Wiltshire. Tinsel hangs out with Cracker, the Shetland pony, two lambs called Alfie and Harrie and two of the farm’s dairy calves called Jingle and Bells. The all live in a open barn with a painted backdrop of the stars of Bethleham.

chocolate. It’s a great day out for the family, with a Santa’s Grotto, as well as fabulous shopping in an Aladdin’s cave of Christmas delights.

Children and adults can stroke the farm animals, which are very tame. The shop also has a café selling freshly homemade cakes, buns, tea, coffee and hot

For more information and opening times please visit www.eastfarmchristmas.co.uk or telephone 01985 850952 Local Life dft2 Sept-Oct 14_Layout 1 20/07/2014 21:27 P

Warminster Boy to Audition For Britain’s Got Talent

essed Up World by Ben Macnaughton & Anthony Clark in aid of SSAFA

11 year old, Ben Macnaughton, who lives nr Warminster, Wiltshire, wrote a song in his music lessons with 80s music producer, Anthony Clark called Messed Up World. On 23rd November Ben was invited to sing his song at a Britain’s Got Talent audition in Bristol. Ben’s father, a Squadron Leader in the RAF, has visited a war zone every year of Ben’s life apart from 2013. Since 2003 Ben has lived in the shadow of war and has spent approximately 50% of his life separated from his father due to his father’s military commitment. The single is called Messed Up World and is available on iTunes and Amazon.

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HOUSE & HOME

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on tempo furniture crusader park, warminster, BA12 8SP www.con-tempofurniture.co.uk | 01985 213222 open mon to sat 9am - 6pm

Con-tempo is more than just a furniture store, with its furniture set out in inspiring room sets with two floors of choice. The team design and manufactures furniture on site right next door to their store. Their ethos is to design and create innovative furniture that stands out from the imported crowd, so all furniture is made to order and they even offer a made to measure service. Con-tempo is proud to be a British furniture manufacturer and openly invite their customers to pop in to the factory and see the furniture being produced. This unique set up attracts customers from all across the UK. Where else can you visit the factory and customise furniture for you? They understand furniture is a big purchasing decision and are more than happy to sit down with you to discuss what’s right for your home. Visit Con-tempo Furniture on the Crusader Business Park, Warminster. 01985 213222 www.con-tempofurniture.co.uk

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HOUSE & HOME

Lights switched on and lantern parade 29th November 2014

After the fire brigade stopped the lights, the task was managed by Sheila Toomey, who has now passed away, and Alan Richardson, who was previously the treasurer and is still the back bone of the committee, with a Warminster Christmas lights history spanning over 17 years. Nick said, “historically, we would meet in the evenings in about October to test all the strings and replace bulbs. A few years later we had some grants to help out from the town council and various sources, which we used to put a permanent ring main throughout the whole of the town, with Christmas tree holders above the shops.” Since then things have progressed year on year with the introduction of LED bulbs and new decorations; it now only takes about a day to put up the lights

For the Fallen Athenaeum Singers Sat 29th November 7pm

o commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the First World War, Warminster’s Athenaeum Singers will present a concert ‘For the Fallen’. A collection will be taken for the military charity, Combat Stress. The concert will feature Edward Elgar’s Spirit of England, first performed in 1917, which puts to music three works by the noted war poet, Laurence Binyon. The suffering of the First World War had a profound effect on Elgar and he dedicated the piece ‘to the memory of our glorious men’. The orchestra will perform Samuel Barber’s, Adagio for Strings and a piece by local composer, Paul Carr completes the programme. Requiem for an Angel was commissioned by The Athenaeum Singers and received with much acclaim when first performed by them in 2006. Some movements of this melodic piece use the words of the Latin Mass, but these are entwined with other texts to create ‘a comforting expression of love and compassion’.

©Simon Burn

Local Life talks to Nick Trimby, one of the local co-ordinators who has been involved with Warminster Christmas lights for over 18 years. “Back in the day, the responsibility of hanging the lights was that of the Warminster Fire Brigade.”

with the use of a cherry picker, followed by another day to put up the trees. Last year, Boreham Road transport business, Gibbs, provided a transport lorry as a stage, with the Warminster community choir entertaining the crowds, followed by a lantern parade with a samba band and a firework finale.. Nick concluded, “this year 2014 we are doing it all again and let’s hope it is as big and popular as last year. Please come along and make a lantern. It’s all free, and then everyone can join in this year’s parade and take part in the ‘switch on’, which is on the 29th November.” Soprano soloist Rhiannon Llewellyn, who continues her study at the Royal Academy Opera, has amassed an impressive array of awards in recent years. The Athenaeum’s previous performance of the Requiem was conducted by the composer’s brother, Gavin Carr. In this concert, the choir is delighted to welcome Gavin as baritone soloist and Paul as a member of the audience. Conductor Jessi Pywell rates Elgar as her favourite composer and is excited to present her choir in this programme of glorious and contemplative music. The Minster Church, Weymouth Street, Warminster BA12 8PQ. www.athenaeumsingers.com Tickets email; info@athenaeumsingers.com or call Ann Coventry 01985 213594 Warminster Information Centre.

No2 Winter 2014/15

HOUSE & HOME

Stairs driving you around the bend?

n average we go up and down stairs over 200,000 times in our lifetime. For most of us, these things only take a minute. But many people find it incredibly difficult. That’s why stairlifts were invented: to make life easier. The earliest record of a stairlift dates back to the 1500s, when King Henry IIIV invented his very own “Stairthrone”. Stairlifts were widely introduced in the UK in the 1970s and since then have made climbing the stairs simpler and safer for millions of people. Stairlift design has changed over the years to be more sleek and elegant, in a choice of colours to blend into the home. They fit to the stairs and not the wall so you won’t need to redecorate, and they can be on your stairs in around as little as 3 hours. 1st Choice Stairlifts, based in Wiltshire, are experts when it comes to having a Stairlift fitted. The company offers many different models from most

manufacturers to make sure that you get the best stairlift for your stairs and your needs. Stairlifts can fit on any staircase, whether indoors or outdoors, a straight flight or curved stairs, even spiral stairs too. Rental stairlifts are also an option for a short term solution, or even to help a relative who is staying over the festive period! 1st Choice can also can repair and service your stairlift, irrespective of who fitted it originally, to make sure it is working and in tip-top condition. If you know someone whose stairs are driving them around the bend, 1st Choice Stairlifts can help. Call now to avoid the pre-christmas rush (honestly!) on 08000 192210, or visit www.1stchoicestairlifts.com. 1st Choice Stairlifts are members of the British Healthcare Trades Association and adhere to their Code of Practice which is approved by the Trading Standards Institute and protects consumers when purchasing mobility products.

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Go Green or stay real

id you know that the first artificial Christmas trees were actually made in the early 1930s by a company called Addis Brush, manufacturers of toilet scrubbers and brushes? In effect, the first fake trees were really nothing more than gigantic, green toilet brushes. Since their invention, artificial trees have continued to gain widespread popularity. It’s commonly believed that buying an artificial Christmas tree saves money. You invest the money once, and use the tree year after year, helping the environment by saving a tree from being cut down. So really, buying an artificial tree over a real one is a no brainer, yes? In reality, fake Christmas trees have a carbon footprint at least ten times larger than a real tree. Buying a 6ft tree, made from plastic, is as damaging to the environment as toasting 5,222 slices of bread, or driving 120 miles in an average-sized car. A real tree of the same size creates carbon emissions the equivalent of toasting 418 pieces of bread and driving less than 10 miles.

The advice to avoid artificial trees being sold by supermarkets and department stores came from the Carbon Trust, a Government-funded company which advises the public sector and businesses on how to reduce their carbon emissions. They state that you would have to use an artificial tree ten times for it to be better than a real tree. A real tree has a footprint of 3.5kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, if it is burned, chipped and spread over the garden after Christmas. Even if it is disposed of at landfill, it is still far better than an artificial tree, with a carbon footprint of 19.5kg. A consumers‘ carbon footprint during December is 6% higher than in other months, because of the amount of presents people buy, the extra food they consume and waste, and the extra car trips to visit relatives and friends. Those concerned about the damage they are causing should also wash their Christmas jumpers at 30°C, rather than use a hotter wash of 40°C. Leftover turkey sandwiches should also definitely be on the Boxing Day menu.

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FOOD & DRINK

Dusty Ape Coffee Roasters make it into the first ever guide to speciality coffee outside of London

he South West independent Coffee Guide has just been launched on October 17 to let people know where they can get fantastic quality, speciality coffee in the South West. Venues and roasters were invited into the guide based on their top notch credentials including the use of speciality coffee from quality sources, barista skill and training, use of different brewing methods and overall knowledge and skill. Which is why we are thrilled to announce that Dusty Ape Coffee Roasters in Hilperton, Wiltshire is one of the 50 coffee venues and 16 roasters who are in the guide, having made the grade. The inclusions in the guide were chosen by an editorial committee made up of some of the South West’s leading coffee experts, including Andy Tucker Head of Coffee at highly rated Clifton

Coffee Roasters, Nick Cooper of South West publishing company Salt Media and Ed Gooding of Bunn Equipment. Tom Sobey of Cornwall’s Origin Coffee also played a key part in getting the project off the ground. The coffee shop reviews include information on different brew types, beans, grinders and equipment, and in addition, the guide showcases 16 top local artisan roasters, has funky maps, a history of coffee in the South West and information on worldwide coffee producing areas. The South West Independent Coffee Guide’s editor Jo Rees of Food Insider’s Guides, says, ‘There’s long been this idea that the only place to get a good coffee in the UK is in central London. The South West has been working away quietly behind the scenes and all of a sudden there’s been an explosion of activity in places No2 Winter 2014/15

like Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Truro, with amazing quality artisan coffee being roasted and brewed. Maxwell said, ‘The South West has quietly become a nuanced and exciting coffee landscape, driven by the development of a cohesive speciality coffee market. At its heart, speciality coffee is like the world of wine in that it focuses on provenance and character.’ The guide will be available for sale at the coffee venues featured in the guide, at Waterstones and good bookshops, via Amazon and from the Food Insider’s Guide Website : www.food-mag.co.uk priced £7.99. The venues will also feature on the food Insider’s Guide website with their write-up and images: www.foodmag.co.uk. 19

Food&drink

Portuguese Sweet Potato Cookies Broa Castelar Total Time:

Ingredients:

Method:

50-55 minutes (preparation only: 25-30 minutes);

400 g (14 oz) sweet potatoes;

1. Pre-heat oven to gas mark 5 (190Â°C / 375Â°F).

Yield: 24 cookies. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget greaseproof paper.

2. Boil sweet potato (peeled and 60 g (2 oz) unsweetened diced) on medium heat for desiccated coconut or grated fresh 5-10 minutes, drain, mash, coconut; and place on low heat for 1-2 1 large egg; minutes to dehydrate slightly. 1 tbs runny honey; 3. Combine the mashed potato

150 g (5 oz) almonds (ground);

4 tbs plain gluten-free flour; 2 tbs orange extract; 5o g stevia Additional:

with almonds, 60 g of desiccated coconut, egg, honey, flour, and stevia. 4. Shape the mixture into oval cookies, approx. 2.5cm / 1in wide (pinch ends and flatten to make them look like leaves).

25 g (1 oz) unsweetened desiccated coconut or grated fresh 5. Sprinkle cookies with the rest of the desiccated coconut, coconut place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, and bake for 25 minutes (or until golden brown). 6. Eat and enjoy or store for two to three days in an air-tight container.

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Food&drink

Nutritional therapist publishes Christmas recipes for those living with food intolerances.

r Eva Detko, a leading nutritional therapist based in Wiltshire, has published a festive cook book, for people with special dietary requirements. Dr Detko, who lives in Wiltshire, said: “The purpose of this book is to make it easier for people on restricted diets to enjoy delicious Christmas treats they can share with their friends and family.” “To give the book an international flavour I’ve incorporated recipes from different countries. I challenge anybody who doesn’t know any better to be able to tell that they are indeed wheat, gluten, dairy and refined sugarfree!”

Dr Eva has worked in the field of nutritional therapy for the last 14 years and she said: “Having special dietary requirements can be daunting, especially at Christmas, but there is no need to feel discouraged. You can still have your favourite treats and enjoy them!”

It’s suitable for novice and experienced cooks and can be found on Amazon by visiting http://amzn.to/1oxI8fA

“I’ve worked hard to create 50 wheat-free, gluten-free, dairyfree, soya-free and refined sugar-free treats. With classics such as Christmas pudding, mince pies, pumpkin pie, panettone and Yule log, the book offers Christmas delicacies from Poland, Japan, Puerto Rico and the Canary Islands.”

Distinguished Vintage Cognacs From a Past Era

ocal Wiltshire company Brandyclassics, supplies luxury vintage cognacs, armagnacs and other brandies online and to the trade. All the brandies they supply are handpicked for their quality, flavour and provenance. Vintage Brandies are extremely popular as presents for birthdays and anniversaries as the year printed on the label captures the uniqueness of the gift and the thought behind the purchase. They also have a rarity value as vintages are produced in small quantities and so are always in limited supply. Specialising in cognac, Brandyclassics also has its own label, Hermitage. Hermitage Cognacs are produced by many of the top distillers in the most favoured parts of the cognac producing region of France, known as Grande Champagne. These producers have skills, not just in distillation, but also in the ageing of rare cognacs which produces rich flavours. Each vintage comes from a single estate and is selected for its highly individual style.

All of Brandyclassics’ brandies come beautifully packaged in presentation boxes. From the Hermitage red silk boxes, designed to embody the quality and exclusivity of the Hermitage Vintage Cognac range, to the Raymond Sabourin pearlescent white, silver and purple presentation box which always catches the ladies’ eye, they make great Christmas presents. 01225 863988 www.brandyclassics.com

Get your 5% A Local Life discount by entering the code ALL5 when ordering.

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Food&drink

winter

WARMERS

Venison is higher in moisture, similar in protein and lower in calories, cholesterol and fat than most cuts of grain-fed beef, pork, or lamb. Venison has enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent years, owing to the meat’s lower fat content. This venison casserole benefits from long, slow cooking. Ask your butcher about different cuts of Venison, we have used a haunch of Venison.

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil

400ml/14fl oz water

25g/1oz butter

2 beef stock cubes, crumbled

12 Whole Baby Onions

3 tbsp redcurrant jelly

4 fresh garlic cloves

salt and freshly ground black

4 rashers smoked bacon

pepper, to taste

500g/1Ib 2oz mushrooms

50g/2oz cornflour

2.5kg/5½lb haunch or shoulder

punnet redcurrants, to decorate

of venison, diced

6 sprigs rosemary or thyme, to

½ bottle red wine

decorate

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Food&drink

Slow cooked Venison Casserole

Preparation method Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/ Gas 2. On the hob, heat the olive oil and butter in a large lidded casserole dish. Add the onions and cook until softened, but not browned.

thicken the sauce - add a little at a time if you are not sure how much you will need.

To serve New potatoes Asparagus or Green Beans

Transfer the casserole to the hob, and, on a low heat, cook until the gravy has thickened - this will take about five minutes. Serve with new potatoes and vegetables.

Add the garlic, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further minute. In a frying pan, brown the venison a handful at a time and add to the casserole. When all the meat is browned, add the red wine, water, stock cubes, redcurrant jelly and salt and pepper.

Decorate each plate with a sprig of rosemary or thyme and a bunch of fresh redcurrants. Enjoy . . .

Bring to the boil and stir well. Put the lid on the casserole and place in the middle of the oven - cook for 90 minutes. Remove from the oven. Make a paste with the cornflour and two tablespoons of water. Add as much of the paste to the casserole as is needed to

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SHOPPING

gift inspiration We have picked some gift ideas from independent businesses in Wiltshire for you. Rather than get online why not look to support your local retailers to keep money in the local area.

These brandies and liqueurs are available from Brandyclassics and are just a taste of the many delights that can be found on their website at www.brandyclassics.com

BRANDYCLASSICS These brandies and liqueurs are available from Brandyclassics and are just a taste of the many delights that can be found on their website at www.brandyclassics.com A beautiful presentation box with two engraved glasses from Raymond Ragnaud. This Vieille Réserve Cognac is liquid gold with tints of bronze, and has been aged in the barrel for 15 years. £90.32 Dupont Dream Calvados cream liqueur, a little different from the norm with a clean, apple flavour. £22.25. Hermitage 1999 Grande Champagne Cognac. £43.55 - “The daddy of gifts - as complex and satisfying as a Dickens novel.” Olly Smith Journalist & TV Presenter.

Raw Chocolate Gift Bag Three of our popular raw chocolate goodies and combined them in stylish jute bag. A tin of Raw Hot Chocolate (you can choose the flavour), a Raw Cacao Nib Grinder and a bar of our award winning Yummy Scrummy. £13 01225 459436 www.elementsforlife.co.uk 24

For further information and advice about Christmas orders call Brandyclassics on 01225 863988 or visit www.brandyclassics.com

Get your 5% A Local Life discount by entering the code ALL5 when checking out on the website.

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JEWELLERY FEATURE

18ct Rose Gold Sapphire & Amethyst Earings £725

Bering Watches from £99.90 Available from Orton

Range of Cufflinks from £40, Vitreous enamel Silver Turtle cufflinks £159 and above racing cars £169. Orton Jewellery 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LH 01225 309039 www.ortonjewellery.co.uk Mini Toy Stihl Chainsaw £19.95

If you are looking for the perfect gift this Christmas, look no further than a Bowood Gift Voucher. These can be purchased for specific things such as a round of golf, spa treatments or pamper days or even as a monetary voucher for your friend or loved one to spend on what they wish. 01249 822228 marketing@bowood.org www.bowood.org

Save up to £100 on a VersatoolTM Power HJead when bought with any VersatoolTM attachment* Until Saturday 8th February, 2015 *T&Cs apply Mendip Mowers Unit 7, Green Farm Industrial Estate, Chapmandslade, Wiltshire BA13 4JJ. 01373 832965 www.mendipmowers.co.uk

No2 Winter 2014/15

UPCLOSE

How has Joanna May become one of Wiltshire’s most successful artists?

ildlife artist Joanna May has achieved worldwide recognition for her paintings of animals. Currently working on some new artwork involving lions and hearts, Joanna easily commands a fourfigure sum for her original pieces.

Living in a small village in North Wiltshire, with her husband David, she has an eye for colour and design. She’s been a professional artist for more than 20 years, for the first ten years as a children’s wildlife book illustrator.

when it came to creating images of animals – whatever the scale. In 2001, she opened a gallery in Marlborough to sell her wildlife paintings. This grew gradually but went skyward when she first put her representations of hares up During this early part of her career for sale. she realised one of her great She said: “My first Boxing Hare strengths was extreme accuracy painting sold before I opened the

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UPCLOSE doors and this quickly led to the BBC getting in touch to ask if I’d like to be on Spring Watch in 2006 to talk about the hare and why it is so popular.” Another highlight came along in 2005 when she got her first zebra painting into Christies’ ‘Art for Life’ Auction. Together with the tv coverage, the interest in her work increased and commissions came in. There was particular interest in larger more contemporary canvases on world wildlife, taking the pattern of animals to the edge of the canvas. She said: “Raymond Blanc fell in love with a Black Leopard painting and commissioned me to paint seven for his famous hotel Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons.” Joanna believes her work has been so successful because she sees painting as a full-time profession and not as a hobby. She said: “It’s very important to be pro-active and either have a gallery or be prepared to work hard to place your work through other galleries. “It’s also best to work at your trade as an artist full time juggling the painting as well as selling it – it takes your full commitment and more to succeed as any selfemployed job does.” For Joanna charity is also important. She has a deep passion for wildlife and raises thousands for projects to protect endangered species. Over the years, she has supported the Moon Bears, Tusk and the Born Free Foundation.

www.joannamay.com No2 Winter 2014/15

BOOK REVIEW

Books for Christmas by Warminster authors

arminster based authors’ two hilarious books and perfect gifts this Christmas, both available from Amazon.co.uk

L’Amour Actually By Melanie Jones Summersdale Publishing After one particularly bad day at work, advertising executive and confirmed city girl Melanie Jones decides to give up her old life in search of something new and simpler in South West France. After a series of adventures with skirt-ripping tractors, handsome twin farmers, celebrity notquite-beens, unusual toilets and a bonkers ex-pat community, all topped up, of course, with lashings of rosé, Melanie begins to discover that her new life in France isn’t quite what she’d thought it would be.

being told what to do. If you feel that you are a slave to your family then read this book. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad and sometimes crazy, this is a quick and easy read. Meet ‘Hagar’, the Chinookflying husband frequently on secret missions in ‘The Stan’, and the children, a son, ‘The Grenade’, and, a daughter, ‘The Menace’. This is a roller-coaster ride of laughs and home truths that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Modern Military Mother By Clare Macnaughton Amazon Createspace & Amazon Kindle Direct A Modern Military Mother - Tales from the Domestic Frontline is for women who hate housework and

Remember loved ones at Dorothy House Light up a Life service in Warminster

orothy House services to remember loved ones are being held in the weeks leading up to Christmas and there will be held at The United Church, Warminster. The ‘Light up a Life’ service for Dorothy House Hospice Care, starts at 6pm on Thursday 4 December and will allow people to light a candle in memory of loved ones who have passed away. The service will feature readings and Christmas Carols. The seasonal services of remembrance are open to all and are part of the annual Dorothy House Light up a Life appeal. The hospice invites people to sponsor a light to shine on the Christmas tree in the hospice grounds as a dedication to a loved one - you don’t have to have a connection with the hospice – and the tree will be lit from 2 December until 6 January 2015.

Dorothy House community fundraiser, Yvonne Brunton, who has been involved in organising the Light up a Life services taking place throughout the area said ‘The Light up a Life services are always very poignant and a very special time for families and friends to join together and remember a loved one. Many people gain great encouragement from attending the services and view it as the start of their Christmas’. For more information about all the Light up a Life services for Dorothy House visit: www.dorothyhouse.co.uk/lual or call 01225 721480

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PUBLISHING

Should budding authors battle to be published or Do-It-Yourself?

ith over 150,000 books published each year in the UK alone and book sales plummeting it’s becoming harder to get your dream novel published. With the advent of the Internet and the growth of Amazon self-publishing your dream novel has never been easier. But what are the pros and cons of doing either?

or to publish it. If the publishing house decides to publish the book, they buys the rights from the writer and pay them an advance on future royalties. The house invests in the design and layout of the book, prints as many copies of the book as it predicts it will sell, markets the book, and finally distributes the finished book to the public via bookshops and online retailers.

Traditional publishing V Self Publishing

Self Publishing

In traditional publishing, the author finishes their manuscript, writes a proposal, and submits these documents to a literary agent, who then agrees to represent them and then submits the manuscript to a publishing house. A commissioning editor reads it, decides whether it is right for the house, and either to rejects it (leaving the author free to offer it to another publisher)

The process is different for self-publishing. An author who decides to self-publish becomes the publisher. The author is responsible for proofreading the final text and investing the funds required to publish the book, as well as design and layout. They are also responsible for marketing and distributing the book, filling orders, and running advertising campaigns. Previously, the author had to decide on the number of No2 Winter 2014/15

copies to print, often resulting in stacks of unsold books. However, the Print on Demand (POD) technology and online retailers such as Amazon can now be used by some self-publishing companies means that authors can have fewer copies printed— only as many as they need, in fact. The business of publishing is tough and unless you have a budding bestseller under your belt making your fortune writing is becoming harder. But before you can publish or even self publish you need to get your words down on the page. The key to being a writer is actually writing. If you are a budding author and you are interested in attending A Local Life writer’s workshop to discuss the merits of self publishing versus traditional publishing email: warminster@ alocallife.co.uk and express your interest. 29

HEALTH

Look After Your Feet This Christmas

fter pounding the pavements this Christmas, it’s likely you’ll suffer from shopper’s feet. We’ve put together some top tips to look after the workhorses of our bodies. It’s easy to take our feet for granted. They’re just there and endure a host of challenges.

foot growths. If you wear high heels, choose heels that are wide, stable and no higher than two inches. Toe boxes should be wide; pointed toes shouldn’t begin their narrowing shape until well past the ball of the foot. To protect your Achilles tendon from shortening, alternate heel heights regularly.

You don’t need an expensive spa treatment to look after your feet. Just a few minutes a day on foot care and selecting the right shoes can keep you free of painful foot problems.

Flip-flops and completely flat shoes don’t provide arch support. Neither does walking barefoot. Women can be prone to developing flat feet, which can lead to other foot problems. To keep feet strong and healthy, minimise the amount of time you wear shoes that lack supportive arches.

Fantastic feeling feet: Make a point to wash your feet (and between your toes!) with a flannel or use a long-handled shower brush, or sit on a chair outside the bath as you wash your feet under the taps. Be sure to dry feet completely, including between the toes. This washand-dry system lessens problems such as athlete’s foot, odour, bacteria and fungus. If you like to soak your feet, forget the Epsom salts—they’re too drying and don’t offer any medical benefit. Instead, just use warm (never hot) water and peppermint oil. Moisturise your feet after washing with a peppermint lotion to keep them feeling fresh. During the winter months, you may want to moisturise several times a day. Alternate the shoes you wear each day. That may mean having two pairs of your favourite everyday style, but shoes need time to air out to avoid triggering foot odour or infections. Change socks more than once a day. If you have a problem with smelly feet, soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water. Your feet should not hurt—ever. Tight shoes can worsen bunions, distort toe shape and cause painful 30

Foot Help

Jenny Hepenstall-Brown RGN Dip Foot Health. Dip Trop Nursing LSHM FAETEC Member of the Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners

Home visits for all your foot needs: THiCk NAiLS AND LoNg NAiLS CorNS AND CALLuSES PAiNFuL FEET DiAbETiC FEET registered general nurse for 36 years. Experience to Ward Sister level in NHS hospitals. Community Nurse experience in the patient's own home. Voluntary nursing work overseas. Have your feet looked after by a caring professional in your own home.

01225 868272 07725 738034 jennybrown126@googlemail.com

www.foothelp.net

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PETS Cats can have more subtle signs but owners might notice that their pet is unable to jump up on surfaces or is less willing to groom. Some cats just become grumpier! There is a lot that vets can do for these animals to improve their quality of life with a range of treatment options available which mean that they no longer have to suffer in silence. Book a FREE mobility clinic check with one of our qualified nurses today! www.garstonvets.co.uk

Pets Dental Problems Clients look at us as if we are mad when the vets and nurses recommend that they brush their pet’s teeth every day, but this really is the only way to properly look after them. Dental chews and toys can help but nothing beats proper brushing with a good quality toothbrush. It is very likely that without home dental care dental disease will progress until a dental procedure is required. This can be costly and often involves painful extraction of multiple teeth. During November & December Garston Veterinary Group are offering a 20% discount for all dental procedures. Please contact the surgery if you are concerned about your pet’s dental health.

Joint Problems Dogs and cats can develop the same problems in their joints as they age as humans. We see many animals coming into the surgery with marked joint disease. The most obvious manifestation is that owners report their dog is stiff climbing up the stairs or when he first gets up.

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No2 Winter 2014/15

CONTACTS

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SLICE OF LIFE

slice of

LIFE

Daughter’s friend is a bad influence My daughter, 6, has a very controlling ‘best friend’ at school, a boy who I’m really not keen on. Not only does he boss her about and get her to do things she wouldn’t normally do, he stops other children playing with her. I’ve also noticed her behaviour deteriorating at home. What shall I do?

to quite an impressive size and I’m finding that strangers are constantly wanting to touch it. I know it’s well meant, but I’m finding it quite annoying and intrusive. Any advice?

B Jones, Warminster

H Wallace, Tisbury

Answer

While you can’t control who your daughter plays with at school, it seems obvious this boy is stopping her forming other friendships. My first step would be to talk to her teacher and explain the situation. Secondly I would try to encourage play dates with other children outside school. Other that that, keep demonstrating the kind of behaviour you do want at home, and hopefully she will mirror this. Good luck.

Congratulations on your pregnancy; such an exciting time. Your dilemma is a tricky one, as the attention is well intended, but I have a few suggestions. When people approach you, you could say, “Sorry, personal space!” in a light-hearted way, or “Sorry, would you mind not doing that?”. Failing that, apparently there are t-shirts for sale that say “Don’t touch my bump!” or similar.

I can’t find a job

Train annoyance

My youngest child has just started school, and for the first time I find myself in the position where I could work part time (ideally around school hours). I have applied for so many jobs and been rejected from every single one. I am finding the whole process quite soul destroying. What can I try next?

Whilst travelling home on the train today in the Quiet Carriage (which I had chosen deliberately), I was faced by a business man talking loudly into his mobile phone. It infuriated me. I just ignored him and hoped he’d stop. He didn’t. What should I have done?

L Taylor, Heytesbury

S Bright, Warminster

Answer

Don’t give up! There is something out there for you, it’s just that unfortunately what you’re looking for is in high demand. Keep plugging away and apply for anything that seems suitable. Consider volunteering for a while (it looks good on your CV), and mention it to your friends as in my experience word of mouth is a valuable resource. Good luck!

How annoying. You were completely within your rights to say, politely “I think you might be in the wrong carriage. This is a quiet one.” Or, less politely, “Would you mind shutting up? The rest of the carriage aren’t really interested in your business.” Or you could just mention it to the next passing guard; it’s certainly not worth getting punched over.

Don’t touch my bump!

Erica Morgan

I am eight months’ pregnant and very much enjoying my pregnancy. My bump has now increased

Email Erica for some advice and solutions... erica@alocallife.co.uk

No2 Winter 2014/15

PUZZLES 1

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1. Havoc

7. Beekeeper

8. Vocal sound

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12. Elegant 14. Honey drink

16. Boast 17. Undo

20. Available 21

23. Recorded (music)

24. Hugging

25. Used keyboard

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P U Z Z L E S

SUDUKO

DOWN

P U Z Z L E S

1. Exploring caverns 2. Exclamation of pain 3. Mimicked 4. Receive ball 5. Thin wires 6. Declared 9. Roof overhangs 11. Procession 13. Grecian vase 15. Gymnastics event 16. Tree limb 18. Required 19. Bible song 21. Taverns

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Purple reign... Design • Commissions • Workshop on premises • Wedding Rings Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10-5pm or by appointment! 6-7 Market Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire. BA15 1LH.

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